is myfitnesspal accurate for kCal burned?

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alathIN
alathIN Posts: 142 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am dubious about myfitnesspal's calculations of how much kCal I burn doing exercise.
FWIW, I've been a kind of mediocre triathlete for two years; used to be about 300lbs and now hovering around 230.
Right now I'm training for a half marathon - my second - and yesterday was my long run of the week - 12.25 miles.
MFP says I burned about 2200 kCal. If I'm to follow the pound per week goal, I would basically have to double my food intake for yesterday.

What has your experience been?
Is MFP accurate for exercise?
If not, how do you compensate?

Replies

  • lacroyx
    lacroyx Posts: 5,754 Member
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    What has your experience been?
    Under estimates me for EVERYTHING.
    Is MFP accurate for exercise?
    MFP is only an estimate.
    If not, how do you compensate?

    I invested in a HRM. Many brands out there. In my opinion the top 2 brands are Garmin and Polar. I went with Polar. FT 40 model. It's pricey, but worth it. If you choose to get a HRM, make sure you get one with a chest strap. They make HRMs that don't use a chest strap but those are not nearly as accurate as ones with a chest strap. Polar and Garmin all make HRMs with a chest strap.
  • PhoenixRising7
    PhoenixRising7 Posts: 194 Member
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    What has your experience been?
    For me, MFP either underestimated or was fairly close to what my HRM said I was burning.
    Is MFP accurate for exercise?
    It's just an estimate (as are HRMs). It's accurate for some stuff, but it can be way off on other things.
    If not, how do you compensate?

    Typically I only eat back exercise calories if I've had a particularly intense workout, and even then I don't eat them all back.
  • kmuree
    kmuree Posts: 283 Member
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    What has your experience been?
    MyFitnessPal often overestimates or is near what my average burn is.
    Is MFP accurate for exercise?
    It depends on the type of exercise but it is a rough estimate that many say is based on a person of average weight.
    If not, how do you compensate?
    A Heart Rate Monitor that has a chest strap has the best results. I personally use a Polar FT4 which I love.
  • mate03
    mate03 Posts: 5
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    I used to be a tri and lost weight like crazy as I could not keep up with the output of caleries. Everyone who tris sems to have the same problem, trying to eat enough to keep up with the out put. . Do make sure you get your protein in to build muscles. I can no longer do the tri training due to a back injury but got onto this app nad it really helps to not eat the bad stuff/ empty calories and encourages me to do my workout.

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